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Friday, 13 February 2015

What My First Youtube Video Has Taught Me

I've wanted to make Yotube videos since I started watching them two years ago, but as I was doing a Master's Degree I just never had the time. I really love writing on this blog, but there are some things that I think would just work better in video format, like makeup tutorials, monthly favourites, that kind of thing.

Youtube means a lot to me because it got me through quite a bad time in my life. I won't bore you with the details but I had Depression while I was on my Master's Degree, and watching beauty videos was a nice little hobby that took my mind off things. I don't remember how I came across it, but I think one of the first videos I watched was a Primark haul from Essie Button. I remember she was talking about her new haircut, and I suddenly felt like I'd known her my whole life. I think I was only subscribed to her at first, but then I started watching lots of beauty channels and of course reading blogs and things just spiralled from there.

I think I've wanted to film a video for a while because I feel like I want to be part of the conversation. The hardest thing about making this video was actually talking myself into making it in the first place and not just saying "Maybe I'll get round to it next week or next month". Perhaps doing something I really want - but at the same time am completely terrified of - will help me be brave enough to reach higher in life.

So on Wednesday I spent my afternoon testing lighting setups and planning a video to make, and then on Thursday I sat myself in front of my DSLR and filmed a First Date Makeup Tutorial.

Here's a few things I realised from the other side of the camera:
1. Filming is a very awkward process. You're basically talking to yourself with two bright lights shining at you.
2. Setting up, filming, and editing takes a lot longer than you think.
3. Your first video will never be perfect. I've put off making a video for such a long time because I wanted it to be amazing, but Youtube is something that you just have to dive into. I know I come across as quite shy and awkward on the camera now but eventually I think I'll get better. We all have to start somewhere.
4. My teeth look far worse than I thought they did.
5. I say "like" a lot more than I thought I did.

The video is being edited, and should be uploaded this weekend if my internet co-operates. I'll add the link here when it's finished.

Edit: Here it is! Promise not to judge me for being so anxious? Ok, here we go.